Sulfate-free personal care compositions and methods for using such compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to sulfate-free aqueous personal care composition comprising a surfactant system comprising at least one methyl oleoyl taurate, one isethionate and one alkoxylated sulfosuccinate, and from about 0.2 pbw to about 15 pbw of a conditioning agent. It is also directed toward the use of such a composition for washing keratin substrates, in particular the hair or the scalp.

This application is a U.S. national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 ofInternational Application No. PCT/EP2017/053530, filed on Feb. 16, 2017,which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/295,767filed on Feb. 16, 2016 and to European application No. 16155940.6 filedon Feb. 16, 2016. The entire contents of these implications areexplicitly incorporated herein by this reference.

The present invention relates to personal care compositions and methodsfor using such compositions.

At the present time, most of the commercially available personal carecompositions are based on sulfate-containing surfactants such as sodiumlauryl sulfate, (SLS), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), sodium laurethsulfate (SLES) or ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES). SLS, ALS, SLES andALES are the most widespread sulfate-containing surfactants used in thisfield as they are inexpensive and as they exhibit at the same timesatisfactory cleansing and foaming properties. Another advantage is thatthey can be easily thickened by the addition of common salt such assodium chloride.

However personal care compositions including sulfate-containingsurfactants present also significant drawbacks. As a matter of factsulfate-containing surfactants such as SLS are known to be liable togive rise to tolerance problems, especially on the skin and the eyes.Another drawback of sulfate-containing surfactants is their tendency tostrip the skin, scalp or hair of its natural oils, fats or proteinscontained at their surface. In the long term the repeated use ofpersonal care compositions including sulfate-containing surfactants maytherefore cause irritation to the skin or scalp and/or give damage onhair fibers.

In recent times there is thus an increasing demand for personal carecompositions including safe, environment friendly, and/or mildersurfactants, and especially for personal care compositions free ofsulfate-containing surfactants.

One of the major challenges of formulating sulfate-free personal carecompositions lies in the need to maintain mildness, satisfactorycleansing, conditioning and foaming properties without negativelyimpacting viscosity of the overall composition.

For instance, as far as personal care compositions such as shampoo,shower gel and liquid hand soaps formulations are concerned, an elevatedviscosity is necessary for the usage under application conditions. Asmentioned previously when sulfate-containing surfactants such as SLS orSLES are present in a composition viscosity can be increased relativelyeasily by the addition of small amounts of sodium chloride. However,this is generally not the case for anionic surfactants of the acetylatedamino acid type, such as methyl cocoyl taurate. Even at very high saltconcentrations aqueous solutions are still fluid and not usable for thetargeted applications. On the other hand, non-ionic surfactants cannotbe thickened at all by the addition of electrolytes. In a sulfate-freesurfactant chassis the use of electrolytes such as sodium chloride istherefore not sufficient to provide compositions having an adequateviscosity for use as personal care cleansing compositions. Moreover,compositions involving the use of a thickener of gums, such as xanthangum, are not always desirable since they have a structuring effect onthe gel imparting elastic properties thereto which leads to theformation of thick lumps when drawing the composition out of the bottle.

It is thus an object of the present invention to address the everincreasing demand in the market for personal care compositions that arefree of sulfate-containing surfactants without negatively affectingviscosity, foaming properties and conditioning on target area.

One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to providepersonal care compositions that exhibit good foaming properties andconditioning on target area and that maintain a satisfactory viscosity,while at the same time being free of sulfate-containing surfactants.

The large majority of known personal care compositions which are free ofsulfate-containing surfactants generally need, in order to obtain thefoam volume and quality desired by consumers, to contain large amountsof other surfactants.

However, the use of large amounts of surfactants is undesirable ofobvious reasons. On the one hand it necessarily increases the overallcost of the compositions. Increasing the amount of surfactants alsogenerally increases on the other hand the risk to lead to toleranceproblems.

This is the reason why there is a real need to provide sulfate-freepersonal care compositions that exhibit good foaming properties andconditioning on target area and that maintain a satisfactory viscosity,without having to use large amounts of surfactants.

The Applicant has now discovered that a personal care compositioncontaining a particular combination of anionic surfactants, one of whichis a specific taurate, another one of which is one specific isethionateand another one of which is one alkoxylated sulfosuccinate, makes itpossible to achieve the objectives outlined above.

The subject of the invention is thus a sulfate-free aqueous personalcare composition comprising:

i) from about 2 pbw to about 20 pbw of a surfactant system comprising atleast:

-   -   a) one methyl oleoyl taurate of formula        R^(a)CON(CH₃)CH₂CH₂SO₃X^(a), in which R^(a) is the hydrocarbon        radical of oleic acid and X^(a) is a counterion,    -   b) one isethionate of formula R^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), in which        R^(b) is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or        alkylaryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and X^(b) is a        counterion, and    -   c) one alkoxylated sulfosuccinate, and

ii) from about 0.2 pbw to about 15 pbw of a conditioning agent.

Surprisingly it has been found that the surfactant mixture used in thecompositions according to the invention makes it possible to achieve anacceptable compromise between the following attributes: viscosity of thecomposition, foaming properties and conditioning on target area, at anequivalent or even decreased overall amount of surfactant and at areasonable cost.

The presence of a synergic surfactant mixture in the compositionsaccording to the invention was demonstrated by foam measurements andsensorial tests using an expert panel.

The present invention is also directed toward the use of a compositionof the invention for washing keratin substrates, in particular the hairor the scalp.

By the expression “sulfate-containing surfactants free composition” or“sulfate-free composition” it is meant that the composition of theinvention is devoid of, i.e. does not contain (0%) any anionicsurfactant which is a derivative of a sulfate, such as especially sodiumlauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ammonium laurylsulfate (ALS) or ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES).

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “anionic surfactantwhich is a derivative of a sulfate” means surfactants comprising atleast one anionic group or group that can be ionized into an anionicgroup, chosen from sulfate functions (—OSO₃H or —OSO₃ ⁻).

Thus, the following anionic surfactants are preferably not present inthe composition according to the invention: salts of alkyl sulfates, ofalkylamide sulfates, of alkyl ether sulfates, of alkylamido ethersulfates, of alkylaryl ether sulfates, of monoglyceride sulfates.

By the expression “composition having a satisfactory viscosity” it ismeant here a composition that has an apparent viscosity comprisedbetween 1,500 and 50,000 cps, for instance comprised between 2,000 and30,000 cps, for instance comprised between 3,000 and 25,000 cps. Theapparent viscosity of each composition was measured after 24-hours in atemperature-controlled room (21±3° C.), using a Brookfield ViscosimeterModel DV-II+ at 10 RPM, with a RV spindle 4 or 5. The viscosity valuewas always taken after a stabilization time of 1 min.

According to one embodiment, the composition of the invention has anapparent viscosity of at least 1,500 cps, for instance of at least 2,000cps.

According to anyone of the invention embodiments, the composition of theinvention has an apparent viscosity lower than 50,000 cps, for instancelower than 40,000 cps.

By the expression “foaming properties” it is meant especially here flashfoam and foam volume, which are among the main factors affecting theconsumer perception about the foam quality. Well-known tests, notably asdescribed in the experimental part, may be used to measure thesefactors.

By the expression “conditioning on target area” it is meant impartingpositive properties to the target area. The target area may beespecially a keratinous substrate. As used herein, “keratinoussubstrates” include, but are not limited to, skin, hair, scalp, lips,eyelashes and nail. Preferably the target area is skin, hair and/orscalp.

For example in the case where the target area is hair “improvedconditioning” may cover improved ease of detangling and/or ease ofcombing.

Ease of detangling may be determined by the measurement of the timerequired for detangling the hair. The shorter the detangling time is,the easier the hair to detangle is.

Ease of combing may be determined by the measurement of the workrequired for combing the hair. The lower the combing work is, the easierthe hair to comb is.

In the case where the target area is skin, “improved conditioning” maycover improved moisturizing benefits and/or softness.

Conditioning may also be determined by the measurement of the amount ofoil deposited on target area. The higher the amount of oil deposited ontarget area, the higher the resulting conditioning.

Advantageously the compositions of the invention are mild compositions.Mildness may be assessed for instance with the Zein test, which is aconventional method for analyzing the dermal irritation potential of aproduct.

The terms “consists of or “consisting of in relation to the surfactantsystem of the composition of the invention are used here to meant thatthe composition of the invention comprises a surfactant system which isstrictly formed of a mixture of the surfactants that are expresslyrecited, and contains no other surfactants.

The composition of the invention is a personal care composition,preferably a personal care cleansing composition, that is to say acomposition aimed to the washing/cleaning and in particular for abody-care application, such as but not limited to a shower gel, a facialcleanser, a body-wash, a liquid hand soap, a shampoo or a cleansingconditioner.

All amounts are in parts by weight (pbw) relative to the total weight ofthe composition.

For the avoidance of any doubt the amounts of surfactant refer to theactual amount of active surfactant compound present in the composition.In other words, it does not include the residue which may be present asan impurity in a commercially available surfactant mixture.

Should the disclosure of any patents, patent applications, andpublications which are incorporated herein by reference conflict withthe description of the present application to the extent that it mayrender a term unclear, the present description shall take precedence

A certain combination of particular sulfate-free anionic surfactants isused in the surfactant system of the composition of the presentinvention.

The composition of the present invention comprises at least one methyloleoyl taurate of formula R^(a)CON(CH₃)CH₂CH₂SO₃X^(a), in which R^(a) isthe hydrocarbon radical of oleic acid and X^(a) is a counterion.

The counterion X^(a) of methyl oleoyl taurate may be an alkali metalion, alkaline earth metal ion or ammonium ion.

The counterion X^(a) of methyl oleoyl taurate is typically an alkalimetal ion, in particular a sodium ion. It may alternatively be anotheralkali metal ion, such as potassium or lithium, an alkaline earth metalion, such as calcium and magnesium, or an optionally substitutedammonium ion, such as an alkyl ammonium having up to 6 aliphatic carbonatoms including isopropylammonium, monoethanolammonium,diethanolammonium and triethanolammonium.

It has been found that the specific use of a methyl oleoyl taurate ofthe invention, combined with the other specific sulfate-free anionicsurfactants of the invention, makes it possible to obtain a betterviscosity compared to a composition having no taurate at all, or evencompared to a composition including an alternative taurate such asmethyl cocoyl taurate.

According to anyone of the invention embodiments, said methyl oleoyltaurate is present in a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 10 pbwrelative to the total weight of the composition, for example from 0.5 to5 pbw, for example from 1 to 3 pbw.

The composition of the present invention also comprises at least oneisethionate of formula R^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), in which R^(b) is asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl grouphaving 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and X^(b) is a counterion.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the isethionate maybe of formula R^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), with R^(b) being an unsubstitutedalkyl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, for instance 7 to 24 carbonatoms, for instance 7 to 21 carbon atoms.

In some embodiments, the component surfactant of the isethionate typemay comprise a mixture of fatty acids to form a mixture of isethionatesof formula R^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), in which R^(b) may be different.

According to one embodiment, R^(b) is a residue of a fatty acid.

Fatty acids obtained from natural oils often include mixtures of fattyacids. For example the fatty acid obtained from coconut oil contains amixture of fatty acids including C₁₂ lauric acid, C₁₄ myristic acid, C₁₆palmitic acid and C₈ caprylic acid.

R^(b) may include the residue of one or more naturally occurring fattyacids and/or of one or more synthetic fatty acids.

Examples of carboxylic acids from which R^(b) may be derived residue ofinclude coco acid, butyric acid, hexanoic acid, caproic acid, caprylicacid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid,palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidicacid, gadoleic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentanoic acid, behinicacid, eruic acid, docosahexanoic acid, lignoceric acid, naturallyoccurring fatty acids such as those obtained from coconut oil, palmkernel oil, butterfat, palm oil, olive oil, corn oil, linseed oil,peanut oil, fish oil and rapeseed oil; synthetic fatty acids made aschains of a single length or a selected distribution of chain lengths;and mixtures thereof.

Most preferably R^(b) comprises the residue of lauric acid, that is asaturated fatty acid having 12 carbon atoms, or the residue of mixedfatty acids derived from coconut oil.

The counterion X^(b) of the isethionate may be an alkali metal ion,alkaline earth metal ion or ammonium ion.

The counterion X^(b) of the isethionate is typically an alkali metalion, in particular a sodium ion. It may alternatively be another alkalimetal ion, such as potassium or lithium, an alkaline earth metal ion,such as calcium and magnesium, or an optionally substituted ammoniumion, such as an alkyl ammonium having up to 6 aliphatic carbon atomsincluding isopropylammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium andtriethanolammonium.

According to anyone of the invention embodiments, said isethionate ispresent in a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 10 pbw relative to thetotal weight of the composition, for example from 0.5 to 5 pbw, forexample from 1 to 3 pbw.

The composition of the present invention also comprises at least onealkoxylated sulfosuccinate.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate may be an alkoxylated sulfosuccinate of formulaR^(c)—O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)C(O)CH₂CH(SO₃X^(c))CO₂X^(c), wherein n ranges from1 to 20, R^(c) is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl oralkylaryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and X^(c) is a counterion.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate may be an alkoxylated sulfosuccinate of formulaR^(c)—O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)C(O)CH₂CH(SO₃X^(c))CO₂X^(c), wherein n ranges from2 to 20, R^(c) is an unsubstituted alkyl group having 6 to 30 carbonatoms, for instance 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for instance 7 to 21 carbonatoms, and X^(c) is a counterion.

The counterion X^(c) of the alkoxylated sulfosuccinate may be an alkalimetal ion, alkaline earth metal ion or ammonium ion.

The counterion X^(c) of the alkoxylated sulfosuccinate is typically analkali metal ion, in particular a sodium ion or an ammonium ion, inparticular NH₄ ⁺. It may alternatively be another alkali metal ion, suchas potassium or lithium, an alkaline earth metal ion, such as calciumand magnesium, or an optionally substituted ammonium ion, such as analkyl ammonium having up to 6 aliphatic carbon atoms includingisopropylammonium, monoethanolammonium, diethanolammonium andtriethanolammonium.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate is an alkoxylated sulfosuccinate selected from ammoniumand sodium lauryl ether sulfosuccinates.

According to anyone of the invention embodiments, said alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate is present in a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 10 pbwrelative to the total weight of the composition, for example from 1 to 8pbw, for example from 2 to 6 pbw.

Among the various sulfate-free anionic surfactants, the alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate of the invention may be advantageously present in thegreatest relative amount, compared to the methyl oleoyl taurate and tothe isethionate of the invention.

In other words, the amount of alkoxylated sulfosuccinate of theinvention present in the final composition may be greater than theamount of the methyl oleoyl taurate of the invention and the amount ofalkoxylated sulfosuccinate of the invention present in the finalcomposition may be also greater than the amount of isethionate of theinvention.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the weight ratio ofalkoxylated sulfosuccinate (c) to methyl oleoyl taurate (a) is greaterthan or equal to 1, preferably is greater than 1, in a composition ofthe invention, based on the weight percent of each surfactant in thefinal composition.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the weight ratio ofalkoxylated sulfosuccinate (c) to isethionate (b) is greater than orequal to 1, preferably is greater than 1, in a composition of theinvention, based on the weight percent of each surfactant in the finalcomposition.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the concentration inthe methyl oleoyl taurate (a), isethionate (b) and alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate (c) in a composition of the invention may range from 1 to20 pbw, for instance from 2 to 15 pbw, for instance from 2 to 10 pbw,relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to any one of the invention embodiments the surfactant systemmay comprise as optional component additional sulfate-free surfactants,which can be selected amongst a monoalkyl sulfosuccinate of formulaR^(c)O₂CCH₂CH(SO₃X^(c))CO₂X^(c), an amido-MEA sulfosuccinate of formulaR^(c)CONHCH₂CH₂O₂CCH₂CH(SO₃X^(c))CO₂X^(c) or an amido-MIPAsulfosuccinate of formula R^(c)CONH(CH₂)CH(CH₃)(SO₃X^(c))CO₂X^(c), withR^(c) and X^(c) being as defined previously.

According to any one of the invention embodiments the surfactant systemmay comprise as optional component additional sulfate-free surfactants,which can be selected amongst amphoteric, zwitterionic or non ionicsurfactants.

In particular, the composition of the present invention may furthercomprise at least one amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant chosen from(i) amphoacetates and diamphoacetates, (ii) sultaines and (iii)alkylbetaines.

The composition of the invention may comprise for example anamphoacetate of formula:

where R is an aliphatic group of 8 to 22 carbon atoms and M is a cationsuch as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium.

The composition of the invention may comprise for example adiamphoacetates of formula:

where R is an aliphatic group of 8 to 22 carbon atoms and M is a cationsuch as sodium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium.

In another embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises (ii)at least one sultaine.

The composition of the invention may comprise for example a sultaine offormula:

where m is 2 or 3, or variants of these in which —(CH₂)₃SO₃ ⁻ isreplaced by:

where R¹ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group having7 to 22 carbon atoms, and R² and R³ are each independently alkyl,hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

In another embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises (iii)at least one alkylbetaine.

The composition of the invention may comprise for example analkylbetaine of formula:

where R¹ is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or alkenyl group having7 to 22 carbon atoms, and R² and R³ are each independently alkyl,hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

R¹ may, in particular, be a mixture of C₁₂ and C₁₄ alkyl groups derivedfrom coconut so that at least half, preferably at least three quarters,of the groups R¹ has 10 to 14 carbon atoms. R² and R³ are preferablymethyl.

If present, the amount of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant of theinvention present in the final composition may be greater than theamount of the methyl oleoyl taurate of the invention and the amount ofamphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant of the invention present in thefinal composition may be also greater than the amount of isethionate ofthe invention.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe present invention comprises at least one amphoteric or zwitterionicsurfactant and the weight ratio of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactantto methyl oleoyl taurate (a) is greater than or equal to 1, preferablyis greater than 1, in a composition of the invention, based on theweight percent of each surfactant in the final composition.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe present invention comprises at least one amphoteric or zwitterionicsurfactant and the weight ratio of amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactantto isethionate (b) is greater than or equal to 1, preferably is greaterthan 1, in a composition of the invention, based on the weight percentof each surfactant in the final composition.

In one specific embodiment, the composition of the present invention mayfurther comprise one or more nonionic surfactants selected fromalkanolamide surfactants and glycoside surfactants.

Suitable alkanolamide surfactants are known compounds and include, forexample, acetamide MEA, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, cocamide methyl MEA,cocamide MIPA, hydroxystearamide MEA, PEG-5 cocamide MEA, lactamide MEA,lauramide MEA and lauramide DEA, preferably cocamide MIPA or cocamidemethyl MEA.

Suitable glycoside surfactants are known compounds and include, forexample, (C₄-C₂₂)alkylhexosides, such as butylglucoside, nonylglucoside,decylglucoside, dodecylglucoside, hexadecylglucoside,octadecylglucoside, cocoglucoside, laurylglucoside, caproyl ethylglucoside, caprylyl/capryl glucoside, caprylyl glucoside,(C₄-C₂₂)alkylpolyhexosides, such as butylpolyglucosides,nonylpolyglucosides, decylpolyglucosides, tetradecylpolyglucosides,hexadecylpolyglucosides, erucylpolyglucosides, (C₄-C₂₂)alkylpentosides,such as nonylarabinosides, decylarabinoside, hexadecylarabinoside,octylxyloside, nonylxyloside, decylxyloside, hexadecylxyloside,erucylxyloside, and (C₄-C₂₂)alkylpolypentosides, such asbutylpolyarabinosides, nonylpolyarabinosides, decylpolyarabinosides,hexadecylpolyarabinosides, octadecylpolyarabinosides,erucylpolyarabinosides, butylpolyxylosides, nonylpolyxylosides,decylpolyxylosides, octadecylpolyxylosides, and erucylpolyxylosides,butylpoly(arabino-co-xylo)sides, nonylpoly(arabino-co-xylo)sides,decylpoly(arabino-co-xylo)sides, hexadecylpoly(arabino-co-xylo)sides,octadecylpoly(arabino-co-xylo)sides, erucylpoly(arabino-co-xylo)sides,and mixtures of any of such compounds, wherein the terminology“poly(arbino-co-xylo)side” denotes a copolymeric chain of monomericresidues of arabinose and xylose. Preferably the glycoside surfactant isdecylglucoside.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said optionaladditional sulfate-free surfactants selected amongst amphoteric,zwitterionic or non ionic surfactants are incorporated in amountsvarying between 0.5 and 5 pbw relative to the total weight of thecomposition.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe invention further comprises of at least one amphoteric orzwitterionic surfactant chosen from amphoacetates and diamphoacetates,preferably a lauroamphoacetate, and at least one nonionic surfactantchosen from alkanolamide surfactants and glycoside surfactants, and doesnot comprise any additional sulfate-free surfactants.

The surfactant system in the composition of the invention may consist ofone methyl oleoyl taurate of formula R^(a)CON(CH₃)CH₂CH₂SO₃X^(a), inwhich R^(a) is the hydrocarbon radical of oleic acid and X^(a) is acounterion, one isethionate of formula R^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), in whichR^(b) is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl oralkylaryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and X^(b) is a counterion,one alkoxylated sulfosuccinate, one amphoteric or zwitterionicsurfactant chosen from amphoacetates and diamphoacetates and onenonionic surfactant chosen from alkanolamide surfactants and glycosidesurfactants.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the total amount ofsurfactants in a composition of the invention ranges from 5 to 15 pbw,relative to the total weight of the composition.

The weight ratio of anionic surfactants to amphoteric surfactants maytypically range from 1:10 to 10:1.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe invention may comprise an anionic-rich surfactant chassis, that isto say a surfactant chassis in which the ratio of anionic surfactants toamphoteric surfactants is greater than 1, for instance greater than 2.

In another embodiment of the invention, the composition of the inventionmay comprise an amphoteric-rich surfactant chassis, that is to say asurfactant chassis in which the ratio of amphoteric surfactants toanionic surfactants is greater than 1, for instance greater than 2.

The composition of the invention further comprises a conditioning agent,especially a cationic or ampholytic conditioning agent. Such agents canassist in oil deposition. They might also provide some conditioningeffects. They can for example enhance the appearance and feel of hair,increase hair body or suppleness, facilitate combing and styling,improve gloss or sheen and improve the texture of hair that has beendamaged by chemical or physical action. They can provide anti-staticeffect, in altering the static electrical properties of hair.

According to any one of the invention embodiments the conditioning agentmay be a cationic cellulose.

Cationic cellulose is available from Amerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA)in their Polymer JR (trade mark) and LR (trade mark) series of polymers,as salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reacted with trimethyl ammoniumsubstituted epoxide, referred to in the industry (CTFA) asPolyquaternium 10. Another type of cationic cellulose includes thepolymeric quaternary ammonium salts of hydroxyethyl cellulose reactedwith lauryl dimethyl ammonium-substituted epoxide, referred to in theindustry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 24. These materials are available fromAmerchol Corp. (Edison, N.J., USA) under the tradename Polymer LM-200.

In another embodiment, the conditioning agent may be a cationicpolysaccharide polymer, especially a cationic guar gum derivative, suchas guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (Commercially available fromRhodia in their JAGUAR trademark series). Examples are JAGUAR C13S,which has a low degree of substitution of the cationic groups and highviscosity, JAGUAR C17 (high degree of substitution, high viscosity), andJAGUAR 162 which is a high transparency, medium viscosity guar having alow degree of substitution. Mention may be also made of JAGUAR C14S,JAGUAR Excel, JAGUAR C500, JAGUAR LS and JAGUAR Optima.

Particularly preferred cationic polymers are JAGUAR C162, JAGUAR LS andJAGUAR Optima.

Other cationic or ampholytic conditioning agent known in the art may beused provided that they are compatible with the inventive composition.

Mention may be made especially of synthetic cationic polymers (forexample polymers comprising units having a quaternary ammonium group ora tertiary ammonium group, and optionally neutral units) and ofsynthetic ampholytic copolymers (for example polymers comprising unitshaving a quaternary ammonium group or a tertiary ammonium group, unitshaving an anionic (usually acidic) group and optionally neutral units).

Conditioning agents are known by the one skilled in the art. Examples oftypical conditioning agents include (INCI names):

Polyquaternium-1; Polyquaternium-2; Polyquaternium-4; Polyquaternium-5;Polyquaternium-6; Polyquaternium-7; Polyquaternium-8; Polyquaternium-9;Polyquaternium-10; Polyquaternium-11; Polyquaternium-12;Polyquaternium-13; Polyquaternium-14; Polyquaternium-15;Polyquaternium-16; Polyquaternium-17; Polyquaternium-18;Polyquaternium-19; Polyquaternium-20; Polyquaternium-22;Polyquaternium-24; Polyquaternium-27; Polyquaternium-28;Polyquaternium-29; Polyquaternium-30; Polyquaternium-31;Polyquaternium-32; Polyquaternium-33; Polyquaternium-34Polyquaternium-35; Polyquaternium-36; Polyquaternium-37;Polyquaternium-39; Polyquaternium-43; Polyquaternium-44;Polyquaternium-45; Polyquaternium-46; Polyquaternium-47;Polyquaternium-48; Polyquaternium-49; Polyquaternium-50;Polyquaternium-52; Polyquaternium-53; Polyquaternium-54;Polyquaternium-55; Polyquaternium-56; Polyquaternium-57;Polyquaternium-58; Polyquaternium-59; Polyquaternium-60;Polyquaternium-63; Polyquaternium-64; Polyquaternium-65;Polyquaternium-66; Polyquaternium-67; Polyquaternium-70;Polyquaternium-73; Polyquaternium-74; Polyquaternium-75;Polyquaternium-76; Polyquaternium-85; Polyquaternium-86;Polybeta-Alanine; Polyepsilon-Lysine; Polylysine; PEG-8/SMDI Copolymer;PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer; PPG-51/SMDI Copolymer; PPG-7/Succinic AcidCopolymer; IPDI/PEG-15 Cocamine Copolymer; IPDI/PEG-15 CocamineCopolymer Dimer Dilinoleate; IPDI/PEG-15 Soyamine Copolymer; IPDI/PEG-15Soyamine Oxide Copolymer; IPDI/PEG-15 Soyethonium Ethosulfate Copolymer;Polyquaternium-4/Hydroxypropyl Starch Copolymer; CassiaHydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride; Chitosan HydroxypropyltrimoniumChloride; Dextran Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride; GalactoarabinanHydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride; Ginseng HydroxypropyltrimoniumChloride; Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride; Hydroxypropyl GuarHydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride; Locust Bean HydroxypropyltrimoniumChloride; Starch Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chlorid; HydroxypropyltrimoniumHydrolyzed Wheat Starch; Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch;Hydroxypropyl Oxidized Starch PG-Trimonium Chloride; Tamarindus IndicaHydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride; Polyacrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride;Polymethacrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride;Polymethacrylamidopropyltrimonium Methosulfate; PropyltrimoniumchlorideMethacrylamide/Dimethylacrylamide Copolymer; Acrylamide/EthalkoniumChloride Acrylate Copolymer; Acrylamide/Ethyltrimonium ChlorideAcrylate/Ethalkonium Chloride Acrylate Copolymer; Acrylates/CarbamateCopolymer; Adipic Acid/Methyl DEA Crosspolymer; Diethylene Glycol/DMAPAcrylamide/PEG-180/HDI Copolymer; Dihydroxyethyl Tallowamine/IPDICopolymer; Dimethylamine/Ethylenediamine/Epichlorohydrin Copolymer; HEMAGlucoside/Ethylmethacrylate Trimonium Chloride Copolymer; HydrolyzedWheat Protein/PEG-20 Acetate Copolymer; Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVPCrosspolymer; Ethyltrimonium ChlorideMethacrylate/Hydroxyethylacrylamide Copolymer.

The amount of cationic or ampholytic conditioning agent in thecompositions can preferably be in the range from 0.1 to 10 pbw,particularly preferably in the range from 0.2 to 5 pbw, and especiallypreferably in the range from 0.5 to 2.5 pbw, based on the compositions.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe present invention comprise, based on 100 pbw of such composition,from 0 to less than 2 pbw of one isethionate of formula (I′):

wherein R^(1′) represents a C₄₋₃₀ substituted or unsubstitutedhydrocarbyl group; each of R^(2′), R^(3′), R^(4′) and R^(5′)independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₄ alkyl group andwherein at least one of R^(2′), R^(3′), R^(4′) and R^(5′) is nothydrogen, and M⁺ represents a cation.

Typical isethionates of formula (I′) are sodium lauryl methylisethionate and sodium cocoyl methyl isethionate.

Isethionates of formula (I′) are not desirable components of thecomposition of the present invention.

More typically the composition of the present invention comprise, basedon 100 pbw of such composition, from 0 to less than 1 pbw ofisethionates of formula (I′) and even substantially no isethionate offormula (I′), i.e. from 0 to less than 0.1 pbw isethionate of formula(I′) per 100 pbw of the composition, more typically no isethionate offormula (I′), i.e. 0 pbw isethionate of formula (I′) per 100 pbw of thecomposition.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe present invention each comprise, based on 100 pbw of suchcomposition, from 0 to less than 2 pbw of one amidobetaine, such as forexample cocamidopropyl betaine.

More typically the composition of the present invention each comprise,based on 100 pbw of such composition, from 0 to less than 1 pbw ofamidobetaine (for example cocamidopropyl betaine), and evensubstantially no amidobetaine, i.e. from 0 to less than 0.1 pbwamidobetaine per 100 pbw of the composition, more typically noamidobetaine, i.e. 0 pbw amidobetaine per 100 pbw of the composition.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe present invention may further comprise an electrolyte.

By the term “electrolyte” we mean here ionic salt totally soluble in thecomposition at the concentrations used.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the electrolyte ofany composition according to the invention can be selected from thegroup of alkali, and ammonium salts. In particular such electrolyte canbe an alkali salt. As non limiting examples, one may cite electrolytesuch as NaCl or KCl.According to any one of the invention embodiments, the electrolyte ispresent in the composition in a concentration of about 0.2 to 3 pbwrelative to the weight of the composition, for instance in aconcentration lower than 2.5 pbw.

The composition of the invention may further comprise additionaloptional ingredients which may bring specific benefits for the intendeduse. Such optional ingredients may include colorants, pearlescentagents, emollients, hydrating agents, opacifiers, preservatives and pHadjusters. The skilled person is able to select according to generalknowledge in the art of formulating personal care compositions such asshampoos, shower gels and liquid hand soaps, and the vast literaturethere-related, appropriate such optional ingredients for applicationpurposes.

In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention furthercomprises one or more benefit agents, such as emollients, moisturizers,conditioners, skin conditioners, or hair conditioners such as siliconessuch as volatile silicones, gums or oils, or non-amino silicones andmixtures thereof, mineral oils, vegetable oils, including arachis oil,castor oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, corn oil, cotton seed oil, oliveoil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, safflower seed oil, sesame seed oiland soybean oil, esters, including butyl myristate, cetyl palmitate,decyloleate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl ricinoleate, glyceryl stearate,glyceryl isostearate, hexyl laurate, isobutyl palmitate, isocetylstearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl linoleate,isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl stearate, propyleneglycol monolaurate, propylene glycol ricinoleate, propylene glycolstearate, and propylene glycol isostearate, animal fats, includingacetylated lanolin alcohols, lanolin, lard, mink oil and tallow, andfatty acids and alcohols, including behenic acid, palmitic acid, stearicacid, behenyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol and isocetylalcohol; vitamins or their derivatives, such as vitamin B complex,including thiamine, nicotinic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid, choline,riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pyridoxine, inositol, carnitine,vitamins A, C, D, E, K and their derivatives, such as vitamin Apalmitate, and pro-vitamins, e.g., panthenol (pro vitamin B5), panthenoltriacetate and mixtures thereof; antioxidants; free-radical scavengers;abrasives, natural or synthetic; dyes; hair coloring agents; bleachingagents; hair bleaching agents; UV absorbers, such as benzophenone,bornelone, PABA (Para Amino Benzoic Acid), butyl PABA, cinnamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate,potassium methoxycinnamate; anti-UV agents, such as butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone,octocrylene, octyl salicylate, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, ethylhydroxypropyl aminobenzoate, menthyl anthranilate, aminobenzoic acid,cinoxate, diethanolamine methoxycinnamate, glyceryl aminobenzoate,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, oxybenzone, octyl dimethyl PABA (padimateO), red petrolatum; antimicrobial agents; antibacterial agents, such asbacitracin, erythromycin, triclosan, neomycin, tetracycline,chlortetracycline, benzethonium chloride, phenol, parachlorometa xylenol(PCMX), triclocarban (TCC), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), zincpyrithione, selenium sulfide; antifungal agents; melanin regulators;tanning accelerators; depigmenting agents, such as retinoids such asretinol, kojic acid and its derivatives such as, for example, kojicdipalmitate, hydroquinone and its derivatives such as arbutin,transexamic acid, vitamins such as niacin, vitamin C and itsderivatives, azelaic acid, placertia, licorice, extracts such aschamomile and green tea, where retinol, kojic acid, and hydroquinone arepreferred; skin lightening agents such as hydroquinone, catechol and itsderivatives, ascorbic acid and its derivatives; skin-coloring agents,such as dihydroxyacetone; liporegulators; weight-reduction agents;anti-acne agents; antiseborrhoeic agents; anti-ageing agents;anti-wrinkle agents; keratolytic agents; anti-inflammatory agents;anti-acne agents, such as tretinoin, isotretinoin, motretinide,adapalene, tazarotene, azelaic acid, retinol, salicylic acid, benzoylperoxide, resorcinol, antibiotics such as tetracycline and isomersthereof, erythromycin, anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen,naproxen, hetprofen, botanical extracts such as alnus, arnica, artemisiacapillaris, asiasarum root, calendula, chamomile. Cnidium, comfrey,fennel, galla rhois, hawthorn, houttuynia, hypericum, jujube, kiwi,licorice, magnolia, olive, peppermint, philodendron, salvia, sasaalbomarginata, imidazoles such as ketoconazole and elubiol, thoseanti-acne agents described in Gollnick, H. et al. 196(1) DermatologySebaceous Glands, Acne and Related Disorders, 119-157 (1998), which isincorporated by reference herein to the extent that it is notinconsistent with the present application; refreshing agents;cicatrizing agents; vascular-protection agents; agents for the reductionof dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis, such as zincpyrithione, shale oil and derivatives thereof such as sulfonated shaleoil, selenium sulfide, sulfur, salicylic acid, coal tar,povidone-iodine, imidazoles such as ketoconazole, dichlorophenylimidazolodioxalan, clotrimazole, itraconazole, miconazole, climbazole,tioconazole, sulconazole, butoconazole, fluconazole, miconazolenitriteand any possible stereo isomers and derivatives thereof such asanthralin, piroctone olamine (Octopirox), selenium sulfide, ciclopiroxolamine, anti-psoriasis agents such as vitamin D analogs, e.g.calcipotriol, calcitriol, and tacaleitrol, vitamin A analogs such asesters of vitamin A including vitamin A palmitate, retinoids, retinols,and retinoic acid, corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, clobetasone,butyrate, clobetasol propionate; antiperspirants or deodorants, such asaluminum chlorohydrates, aluminum zirconium chlorohydrates;immunomodulators; nourishing agents; depilating agents, such as calciumthioglycolate, magnesium thioglycolate, potassium thioglycolate,strontium thioglycolate; agents for combating hair loss; reducing agentsfor permanent-waving; reflectants, such as mica, alumina, calciumsilicate, glycol dioleate, glycol distearate, silica, sodium magnesiumfluorosilicate; essential oils and fragrances.

In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises abenefit agent selected from insoluble or partially insoluble ingredientssuch as moisturizers or conditioners, hair coloring agents, anti-UVagents, anti-wrinkle agents, fragrances or essential oils, skin-coloringagents, anti-dandruff agents, and provides enhanced deposition of suchbenefit agent on the substrate, ex. Hair and/or skin or fabric orcounter top or plant leaves.

In one embodiment, the personal care composition of the presentinvention further comprises from about 0.1 to about 50 pbw, moretypically from about 0.3 to about 25 pbw, and still more typically fromabout 0.5 to 10 pbw, of one or more benefit agents.

The composition according to the present invention may optionallyfurther comprise other ingredients, such as, for example, preservativessuch as benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidinylurea, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, salicylic acid,methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, thickeners suchas high molecular weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid (carbomer), PEGdiester of stearic acid and the like, and viscosity modifiers such asblock polymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, electrolytes, suchas sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and polyvinyl alcohol, pH adjustingagents such as citric acid, succinic acid, phosphoric acid, sodiumhydroxide, and sodium carbonate, perfumes, dyes, and sequesteringagents, such as disodium ethylenediamine tetra-acetate. In general,personal care compositions may optionally comprise, based on 100 pbw ofthe personal care composition and independently for each suchingredient, up to about 10 pbw, preferably from 0.5 pbw to about 5.0pbw, of such other ingredients, depending on the desired properties ofthe personal care composition.

In general, a composition of the present invention may optionallycomprise, based on 100 pbw of the personal care composition andindependently for each such ingredient, up to about 15 pbw, preferablyfrom 0.5 pbw to about 10 pbw, of such other ingredients, depending onthe desired properties of the composition.

The composition of the present invention is used in a manner know in theart, for example, in the case of a cleanser or shampoo, by applicationof the cleanser or shampoo to the skin and/or hair and optionallyrinsing the cleanser or shampoo off of the skin and/or hair with water.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe invention may have a pH comprised between 4 and 11.

According to any one of the invention embodiments, the composition ofthe invention may be prepared using a concentrated flowable surfactantcomposition.

The invention is also directed toward concentrates that are suitable toprepare a composition of the invention.

Concentrates including a mixture of surfactants and/or conditioningagents are advantageous as their use would reduce the need to transporta plurality of individual components.

Personal care compositions are usually prepared by mixing individualsurfactants and conditioning agents. These components may be supplied asconcentrated solutions which are diluted and/or and combined inappropriate ratios by the formulator. The invention covers anysurfactant concentrate to be used as component ingredient to prepare acomposition of the invention, and especially to surfactant concentratescontaining limited levels of water (more advantageous from a cost andenvironmental perspective).

EXAMPLES

The invention will now be described in further detail by way of thefollowing non limiting examples, wherein the abbreviations have theusual meaning in the art. The temperatures are indicated in degreescentigrade (° C.) and the other parameters in the respective currentunits. Water amount indicated as “q.s.” are intended to be “the amountrequired to complete to 100%”.

Viscosity Measurement

The viscosity of each composition was measured after 24-hours in atemperature-controlled room (21±3° C.), using a Brookfield ViscosimeterModel DV-II+ at 10 RPM, with a RV spindle 4 or 5. The viscosity valuewas always taken after a stabilization time of 1 min.

Example 1

The following sulfate-free shampoo compositions were prepared.

The starting materials used are identified by the INCI names and/or bythe commercial references. All ingredients are expressed by weightpercent of the total formulation and as level of active ingredients.

Comparative Formulation Comparative Formulation Formulation 1 1Formulation 2 2 Mackanate ® EL 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 (Disodium LaurethSulfosuccinate) Mackam ® CBS-50G 4.0 4.0 — — (CocamidopropylHydroxysultain) Miranol ® Ultra L32 — — 4.0 4.0 (SodiumLauroamphoacetate) Pureact ® I-78C 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Sodium CocoylIsethionate) Geropon ® T-77 — 1.8 — 1.8 (Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate)Geropon ® TC-42 LQ 1.8 — 1.8 — (Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate)Mackamide ® CPA 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 (Cocamide MIPA) sodium chloride 1.631.63 1.3 1.3 Jaguar ® LS 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 (Hydroxypropyl Guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride) Citric acid solution (50%) q.s q.s q.sq.s Kathon ® CG 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 (Methylchloroisothiazolinone,Methylisothiazolinone) De-ionized water Up to 100 Up to 100 Up to 100 Upto 100 pH 5.4 5.4 6.0 6.0 Brookfield Viscosity @ <500 Between <1,000Between 10 RPM, RV spindle 2,000 and 26,000 and 4 or 5 (mPa · s) 5,00029,000

Formulation Procedure

Add 24 parts of de-ionized water in a tared beaker A under continuousstirring and heat at 65° C. Add Mackamide® CPA and mix at 100 RPM. After10 minutes, add Pureact® I-78C and let under stirring during 30 minutes.Stop heating and let the mixture under stirring until it comes back at30° C. If necessary, compensate for water loss that has occurred duringheating step.

In another vessel, charge 26 parts of de-ionized water. Add Jaguar LS inthe vessel and add a few drops of citric acid solution (50%) understirring, until the solution becomes clear. Add Miranol® Ultra L32 (orMackam® CBS-50G) under stirring, followed by Mackanate® EL. Add thepre-mix of beaker A into the main vessel under continuous stirring at100 RPM during 10 minutes. Add Geropon® T-77 in the form of a 25 wt %dilution in water (or Geropon TC-42LQ) and stir during 10 minutes.Adjust pH between 5.0 and 6.0 with a 50% solution of citric acid, addKathon® CG and add the required amount of sodium chloride understirring. Add de-ionized water up to 100 parts.

Performances

Formulation 1, which includes the particular combination of anionicsurfactants in accordance with the invention, is a cleansing compositiondisplaying acceptable viscosity (above 1,500 cps) contrary toComparative Formulation 1.

Formulation 2, which includes the particular combination of anionicsurfactants in accordance with the invention too, is an alternativecleansing composition which displays also acceptable viscosity (between1,500 and 50,000 cps), contrary to Comparative Formulation 2.

Sensorial tests confirmed that Formulations 1 and 2 of the inventionexhibit at the same time good foaming properties and good conditioning.

These examples illustrate that the particular combination of surfactantsrequired according to the invention, namely the combination of a methyloleoyl taurate with one isethionate of the invention and with onealkoxylated sulfosuccinate, is critical to achieve good foaming andconditioning properties, while maintaining an acceptable viscosity in asulfate-free surfactant chassis.

Example 2

The following sulfate-free shampoo compositions were prepared.

The starting materials used are identified by the INCI names and/or bythe commercial references. All ingredients are expressed by weightpercent of the total formulation and as level of active ingredients.

Comparative Formulation 3 Formulation 3 Mackanate ® EL — 6.0 (DisodiumLaureth Sulfosuccinate) Mackanate LO 100 6.0 — (Disodium LaurylSulfosuccinate) Mackam ® CBS-50G 4.0 4.0 (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultain)Pureact ® I-78C 2.0 2.0 (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate) Geropon ® T-77 1.81.8 (Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate) Mackamide ® CPA 1.5 1.5 (CocamideMIPA) sodium chloride 2.0 2.6 Jaguar ® LS 0.4 0.4 (Hydroxypropyl guarHydroxypropyltrimonium chloride) Citric acid solution (50%) q.s q.sDe-ionized water Up to 100 Up to 100 pH 5.3 5.4 Brookfield Viscosity @10 RPM, Between 7,000 Between 7,000 RV spindle 4 or 5 (mPa · s) and10,000 and 10,000

Formulation Procedure

Add 27 parts of de-ionized water in a tared beaker A under continuousstirring and heat at 65° C. Add Mackamide® CPA and mix at 100 RPM. After10 minutes, add Pureact® I-78C. After 5 minutes add Geropon® T-77 andlet under stirring during 30 minutes. Stop heating and let the mixtureunder stirring until it comes back at 30° C. If necessary, compensatefor water loss that has occurred during heating step.

In another vessel, charge 30 parts of de-ionized water. Add Jaguar LS inthe vessel and adjust pH at 5.5 with a 50% solution of citric acid,under stirring, until the solution becomes clear. Add Mackam® CBS-50Gunder stirring, followed by Mackanate® EL (resp. Mackanate® LO 100). Addthe pre-mix of beaker A into the main vessel under continuous stirringat 100 RPM during 10 minutes. Add sodium chloride up to achieve atargeted viscosity of [7,000-10,000 mPa·s] at 10 RPM and adjust pH at5.5±0.2 with a 50% solution of citric acid under continuous stirring.Add de-ionized water up to 100 parts.

Performances

Viscosity of each formulation has been adjusted with added salt (sodiumchloride) to yield formulations having a similar viscosity within asatisfactory range (between 7,000 and 10,000 cps).

In this viscosity range the performances of Formulation 3 (whichincludes the particular combination of anionic surfactants including analkoxylated sulfosuccinate in accordance with the invention) have beencompared to the performances of Comparative Formulation 3, in terms ofsensorial assessment on hair tresses, foam volume and flash foam,according to the following methodologies.

Sensorial Assessment on Hair Tresses

Flat Calibrated tresses of bleached Caucasian hair, weighing about 10grams, length of hair: 21 cm below clip and 3 cm width were used. Theywere purchased from Kerling International Haarfabik GmbH, Donaustr. 7,D-71522 Backnang-Waldrems in Germany. Sensorial analysis was performedby a trained expert panellist, following the standardized protocoldescribed below.

Prior to being actually shampooed, the hair tresses were first cleansedwith a 10% active sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) solution. Each hairtress was then wetted under flowing tap water (controlled flow 1100mL+/−40 mL per 10 sec) at controlled temperature (36.5° C.±1° C.) during1 minute. 1 ml of shampoo formulation was applied over the entire lengthof the hair tress and foam was produced by massaging the hair tress fromthe top to the bottom during 1 min 30 sec with one's hand. The speed atwhich the foam forms after 15 seconds (so-called “flash-foam”) wasscored (a score of 1 corresponds to a very slow-forming foam; a score of2, a slow-forming foam; a score of 3, a medium rapid forming foam; ascore of 4, a rapid forming foam; a score of 5 a very rapid formingfoam).

The foam generated in the hands and on hair tress was then collected ina conic beaker of 250 mL. The amount of foam was assessed and the foamquality attributes were noted (whiteness, density, richness). Then thehair tress was rinsed during 1 min 15 sec, under flowing tap water atcontrolled flow, with gentle squeezing of the hair tress from roots totips with the fingers. After rinsing, the excess water was removed bysqueezing the hair tress with two fingers, and the time necessary todetangle the hair tress with a wide-tooth comb was monitored.

Sensorial analysis on bleached hair tresses were performed by one expertpanellist. Results were the following:

Comparative Formulation Formulation 3 3 flash foam 2.5 3.0 [score 1(very low) - 5 (very high)] Foam volume (ml) 30 ml 50 ml Detangling time6 min 12 sec 4 min 09 sec

Formulation 3 (which includes the particular combination of anionicsurfactants including an alkoxylated sulfosuccinate in accordance withthe invention) exhibits overall better performances (in terms of speedof foam formation, foam volume and time necessary to achieve hair tressdetangling) compared to Comparative Formulation 3.

These Examples demonstrate that the compositions according to theinvention makes it possible to achieve an acceptable compromise betweenviscosity of the composition, foaming properties and conditioning.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sulfate-free aqueous personal carecomposition comprising: i) from about 2 parts by weight (pbw) to about20 pbw of a surfactant system consisting of: a) one methyl oleoyltaurate of formula R^(a)CON(CH₃)CH₂CH₂SO₃X^(a), in which R^(a) is thehydrocarbon radical of oleic acid and X^(a) is a counterion, b) oneisethionate of formula R^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), in which R^(b) is asubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or alkylaryl grouphaving 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and X^(b) is a counterion, and c) onealkoxylated sulfosuccinate, and ii) from about 0.2 pbw to about 15 pbwof a conditioning agent.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein theisethionate (b) is of formula R^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), with R^(b) beingan unsubstituted alkyl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 2, wherein the isethionate (b) is of formulaR^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), with R^(b) being an unsubstituted alkyl grouphaving 7 to 24 carbon atoms.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein theisethionate (b) is of formula R^(b)COOCH₂CH₂SO₃ X^(b), with R^(b) beingan unsubstituted alkyl group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the alkoxylated sulfosuccinate (c) is analkoxylated sulfosuccinate of formulaR^(c)—O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)C(O)CH₂CH(SO₃X^(c))CO₂X^(c), wherein n ranges from1 to 20, R^(c) is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl oralkylaryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and X^(c) is a counterion.6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the alkoxylated sulfosuccinate(c) is an alkoxylated sulfosuccinate of formulaR^(c)—O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)C(O)CH₂CH(SO₃X^(c))CO₂X^(c), wherein n ranges from2 to 20, R^(c) is an unsubstituted alkyl group having 6 to 30 carbonatoms, for instance 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for instance 7 to 21 carbonatoms, and X^(c) is a counterion.
 7. The composition of claim 1, whereinthe composition further comprises one amphoteric or zwitterionicsurfactant selected from the group consisting of (1) amphoacetates anddiamphoacetates, (2) sultaines and (3) alkylbetaines.
 8. The compositionof claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of alkoxylated sulfosuccinate (c)to methyl oleoyl taurate (a) is greater than or equal to 1, based on theweight percent of each surfactant in the final composition.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 8, wherein the weight ratio of alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate (c) to methyl oleoyl taurate (a) is greater than 1, basedon the weight percent of each surfactant in the final composition. 10.The composition of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate (c) to isethionate (b) is greater than or equal to 1,based on the weight percent of each surfactant in the final composition.11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the weight ratio of alkoxylatedsulfosuccinate (c) to isethionate (b) is greater than 1, based on theweight percent of each surfactant in the final composition.
 12. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the total amount of surfactants rangesfrom 5 to 15 pbw, relative to the total weight of the composition. 13.The composition of claim 1, wherein the conditioning agent is a cationicor ampholytic conditioning agent.
 14. The composition of claim 1,characterized in that it is a personal care cleansing composition.
 15. Amethod comprising washing keratin substrates using the compositionaccording to claim
 1. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the keratinsubstrates are the hair or the scalp.